From:
AFERRETVET@cs.com
Date: 2001-04-02 16:32:00 UTC
Subject: Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Charlie...possible ulcers.
Hi Tracy,
Yes, black tarry stools is digested blood.
Since he is not eating well and passing tarry stools
then ulcers are likely. Some ferrets will develop ulcers
after surgery like people can. Start with A/D and/or Gerbers baby
food
and Carafate and see how he does. Some will also need
antibiotic therapy (if there is Heli. causing the ulcers).
The hair loss can be form bad nutrition, parasites, or
adrenal gland disease. I would suggest a skin scrape to
look for mites as a precaution. Then the "test of time" can be
used. With time and good nutrition his hair will grow back
if the hair loss was from bad nutrition. Skin mites can be treated
based on what kind of mite is found. If no improvement then consider
adrenal gland disease.
Hope that helps,
Jerry Murray, DVM
PS if you live in Northern CA you might want to let the vet school
(UC-Davis) take a look at Charlie.